Barber in South Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SC. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, South Carolina.
Jobs (SC)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a barber in South Carolina
To become a licensed barber in South Carolina, individuals must complete either a 1,500-hour training program at a Board-approved barber college or 1,920 hours (12 months) of on-the-job training under a licensed barber instructor. After completing the required education, applicants must pass both the theory and practical portions of the National Interstate Council (NIC) examination. The South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners handles licensing, and reciprocity is available for barbers licensed in other states who meet specific criteria, including having passed the NIC examination.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for South Carolina. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist South Carolina requirements
| Licensing body | South Carolina State Board of Barber Examiners |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 1500 hours in a Board-approved barber college or 1,920 hours/12 months of on-the-job training under a licensed barber instructor. |
| Exam | National Interstate Council (NIC) examination (Theory and Practical) ($175) |
| Application fee | $45 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age is 17 years old. Must have at least a 9th-grade education or equivalent. The license issued is for a 'Registered Barber' or 'Master Hair Care Specialist'. CE hours are not required for the first renewal cycle. For subsequent renewals, barbers do not have a specific CE requirement listed on the Board of Barber Examiners website, but other licensees under LLR (like cosmetologists) have 4 hours biennially, including sanitation and safety. It is recommended to check directly with the Board for barber-specific CE requirements for subsequent renewals. |
workspace_premium South Carolina license tiers
South Carolina offers multiple tiers of barber licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | 1,500 |
| Master Hair Care Specialist | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleSouth Carolina license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk